Celebrate The Sunset of Summer #AlamoDriveHappy

Summer is almost over. Before we get back to the grind of back to school, homework, after-school activities and "life as usual," why not plan one last day of summer fun?

Angeline and I just embarked on an Alaskan cruise, but of course you don't have to go all the way to Alaska to celebrate the sunset of summer! There are so many places full of incredible things to see - like the Chihuly Gardens we visited this morning in Seattle. I highly recommend checking out an exhibit if you have one near you!

Why not plan one last spontaneous weekend trip with the kids before everyone gets carried away in new class schedules, mountains of homework and all of the other craziness that the new school year brings?

I always love to travel, but summertime is my all-time favorite time to get out of the house and explore the world with Angeline. It's the perfect time to bond as a family because there are no distractions: no school, no home work, no deadlines...it's all free time when we can really concentrate on what matters most: family. And what better way to bond than to create memories? Last summer we went on a Caribbean cruise and to Europe. This summer we went on a (different part of the Caribbean) cruise, North Carolina and now to Alaska. These are memories that we will cherish together forever!

When planning one last summer trip, you don't have to go all out - even a short trip to the beach, a weekend camping trip at a local national park, or even a staycation and playing tourist in your own city will make memories to last a lifetime...or at least until winter break rolls around!

A few things to keep in mind:

What can you go that is quick and easy? Pick a place close by that doesn't require a lot of planning, research or packing. Where have you been before that you've always wanted to back to because there wasn't enough time to see it all? What's nearby that would make for a great weekend getaway? For instance, we often go down to the Florida Keys when we want a getaway without a lot of hassle. It's just an hour or so away and we know the area (and accommodations, restaurants and activities) like the back of our hands!

What should you bring to ensure an amazing trip? Sometimes you can make an ordinary place magical with a few different items! For instance, do you live near the Great Florida Bird Trail? Grab a pair of binoculars and go see some awesome birds that you wouldn't ordinarily see! Do you live near a lake or river? Buy an inexpensive rubber tube and make your own tubing trip!

I am joining my fellow Alamo Chief Travel Moms this month to offer tips, tricks, and inspiration for last-minute plans on Pinterest...and of course we are hosting a giveaway too!

This month's awesome Alamo Drive Happy box contains some great items to help you make the most of your last summer trip - and of course, every trip that comes after!

What’s in this month's Alamo Drive Happy box?

About a Mom – @aboutamom

Geomate Jr. Geocaching GPS
Angela says: “Turn any end-of-summer family vacation into an exciting treasure hunt by going on a geocaching adventure. The Geomate Jr. Geocaching GPS will help you locate and find caches all over the United States.”

A Nut In A Nutshell – @blueviolet

Ocean Charms: DIY Jewelry Kit
Liz says: “Your treasured travel memories will stay with you forever when you preserve them by making your own unique and special beach charm necklace.”

Dear Crissy – @crissy

Motorola MR350R Walkie-Talkies
Crissy says: “Have kids that want to do different things? Take advantage of your final trip of the summer by splitting up to take on different adventures with the kids, but stay in touch quickly and easily to keep each other updated.”

The Divine Miss Mommy – @stacieinatlanta

Bushnell Waterproof Binoculars
Stacie says: “Take these binoculars along on that last summer trip to see everything in a different perspective. Don’t miss a thing, and catch all of the details!”

The Rebel Chick – @therebelchick

Samsung ST150F WiFi Digital Camera
Jennifer says: “This WiFi-enabled smart camera is perfect for sharing your end-of-summer summer adventures with your family and friends back home in real time!”

Win an Alamo Drive Happy Box!

Alamo Drive Happy Giveaway

Alamo has some brand new Pinterest boards, and we want YOU to help us fill them up with awesome travel content! The new Alamo Pinterest board themes are Summer Travel Scenes, DIY Summer Crafts for Kids and Labor Day Family Travels. Don't they sound fun?

To enter, tweet me with a photo and/or link to something that could be included on one of the Pinterest boards. You can tweet as often as you’d like, just make sure that each tweet contains a different idea.

You must be following Alamo Rent A Car on Pinterest and Twitter, and each tweet must mention me @TheRebelChick and use the #AlamoDriveHappy hashtag.

Leave the direct url to each of your tweets as a comment below!

This giveaway is open to US residents and ends on August 18.